The Friday Forum - September 16

The crepe myrtles are still blooming as the weather has signaled its intent to change. I awakened cold this morning. I had intended to turn on the heater for the morning period when temperatures were predicted to be in the high 40's, and I forgot. It feels chilly outside, but it's not cold enough inside to turn on the heat. Glad I forgot.

This was quite a week - for many reasons. I received a lot of new beauty products, many of which I haven't had time to show you. I'll get to them. I also spent a lot of time arranging to go out and rescue wildlife tomorrow. It's a long story, but I've been doing land preservation work for many years. Our land trust has a conservation easement on a major stream valley in McLean, Virginia. The land abutting our easement is about the be developed, and there are box turtles, snakes, salamanders, squirrels, deer - just about all the critters who live in the woods - on the building lots. We need to move those who can't escape the bulldozers.

I spent a full day arranging for help, and the wildlife rescue and plant rescue volunteers in our area responded. I'm pleased to tell you that on Saturday, a bunch of us will be trudging though the woods and thick understory growth saving everything we can find, including rare wildflowers or seeds. I can't stand the thought of turtles, who have been there longer than man, being bulldozed to death. If we find active squirrel nests, we'll get someone to climb the trees and save any babies sure to be orphaned and killed.

Later today, I have one of those superb Kate Somerville Dermal Quench treatments scheduled at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. If you don't know about the miracle treatments, click on this link. I'm excited. If you happen to live in our area, call the store to see if you can get an appointment today.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget that we have two fabulous giveaway contests running, and both end this weekend. First, the Le Métier de Beauté contest for a brand new Revive Eye Concentrate ends Sunday, September 18. All you have to do to enter is purchase Le Métier de Beauté at Neiman Marcus Beauty Week by Sunday, September 18 - online or in store - and then comment. Make sure to save your receipt. Check out the fine print at this link.

The second contest is our weekly giveaway contest. This week, you might win the NARS Hopelessly Devoted Gift Set giveaway. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, September 17, at midnight. It's worth a try, right?

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - September 16

The Friday Form - September 9

The words "Irene" and "Lee" have turned into bad words around here. The flooding in the East from these two storms has taken lives or left lives shattered. Yesterday, I wondered at times if we would need an ark. It rained so hard all day that all streams in the area flooded their banks. Last night, authorities took the unprecedented step of closing the Beltway, a major interstate highway that circles DC. Many local roads were closed. Shopping centers, car lots, apartments, and homes were underwater. There were too many impacts to list here. This morning, there are folks in Alexandria evacuated from their homes. It will be days, I'm sure, before all the damage will be tallied. That's just in the DC area, where it's still raining! The hardships in other areas are worse. I hope those in the Northeast who lost so much to Irene won't suffer even more from the remnants of Lee. Mother Nature is ending summer with a bang.

I ended up skipping most of the Fashion's Night Out activities in the DC area. I had been looking forward to the events, but the driving rain, thunder, and lightning told me to stay home and stay safe, and that's what I did. I was really looking forward to the bash at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. I'm bummed. I missed Saks Chevy Chase, and I missed Georgetown. When I went to bed, the driving rain has stopped, but the electrical storm continued. I guess I've turned into a wimp. I didn't want to get trapped somewhere.

This has been a sad week, with so many recollections of September 11 on the news and in the papers. I will be writing my own thoughts in a tribute for Sunday. I'm moved to tears when I rethink that day and the suffering that followed. I now fully understand how my parent's generation never forgot Pearl Harbor - and why they talked about it often. An attack on the United States isn't something one forgets.

I realize these first three paragraphs were a downer, but that's what's been on my mind. On the upside, I have another makeover scheduled for today with a Laura Mercier artist. I haven't "done" a Laura Mercier event for a long time, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm still awestruck over the session I had with Erin Lockard from Le Métier de Beauté Wednesday. She's fantastic. I know some of you were able to get there too. If you didn't, and you live in the area, she will be at Neiman Marcus Mazza Galleria today and tomorrow. Call Michael at the counter for an appointment at (202) 966-9700.

There are many more fun events to come in September - all over the country. Live in the DC area and love Jo Malone? David Ponce, Jo Malone's national trainer, will be teaching a master class at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria Saturday at 11:00 am. If you live near me in the DC area, plan to go. I know you'll go home with a goodie bag. Just call (703) 761-1600, extension 3268, and ask for Diana, David, or Kathy to make an appointment. I'd love to meet you there. Pretty soon, they'll have to give me a desk at the store (just kidding).

Over the next few weeks (yes, it will take me that long), I'll be showing you all my latest beauty purchases. I've barely scratched the surface! Between camera crises and rain this week, there wasn't much of an opportunity to get swatch photos. I hope to remedy that this weekend. Even today will be busy, although I hope to get a new feature published before my feed goes out this afternoon. Suffice it to say that I'm very excited about all my new goodies. I've got special Kaleidoscopes coming from around the country, so my excitement will extend into next week.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on. I want to hear all your FNO and Beauty Week stories!

Don't forget the current giveaway contest for a Laura Mercier Mini Glacé Set. She makes a nice lip gloss! The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, September 10, at midnight. Naturally, we'll start another exciting contest on Sunday. I love giving away cool stuff!

I do put a lot of late-breaking news on Twitter, so if you're not there, I'd love to see you. It's easy to sign up. I'll bet if you try it, you'll love it.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Form - September 9

The Friday Forum - September 2

It's hard to believe it's the first Friday in September. Where has summer gone? The morning glories are still blooming, but that won't last long. The Japanese maples are starting to color, and the goldenrod is bursting into bloom.



I had a busy week. I had fun catching up with friends this week. I also attended a preview of fall beauty trends at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. It was a blast - my kind of party! Fueled by champagne, I visited with my beauty industry friends, trying out the newest products. When the party was ending, I was still taking notes!



What's new in beauty land that I hadn't seen or tried? Kate Somerville has a new eye cream, exclusive to Neiman Marcus, that I'll start testing this weekend. Sisley has new products on the way for October. There's a to-die-for anti-aging mask, a treatment foundation, and a new fragrance on the way. I'll tell you about the mask this weekend. La Prairie has a new serum/moisturizer treatment. I have had a few packet samples, but have been holding off on introducing it to you. I like to use a skin-care product more than a couple of times before I recommend it. Lancôme's new Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector looks miraculous, and, as you know, Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous new skin care is available now. There's more, including AmorePacific. I'll catch you up on all of it in the next few weeks.



On the color front, I got a sneak peek at Dior's and YSL's upcoming color collections. There will be a lot to love. I'll show you my newest goodies from Bobbi Brown in the next few days. They're gorgeous. I'm really excited about the golden Shimmer Brick that will be available for the holidays.



On the fragrance front, I played with Prada Candy (have had a sample - have no idea why I kept forgetting to try it), and we talked about Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum. Did you know that Aqua Universalis Forte is available? It's a much more concentrated version of the original, and it's on my must-have list. It's one I might give up an arm to acquire.



Over the new few weeks, I'll give you a more detailed look at everything I got to see and try. It was the highlight of my week. I was surrounded by the latest in beauty and like-minded friends. Who could ask for more?



It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.



Don't forget the giveaway contest for Giorgio Armani Beauty's Blushing Fabric! The deadline for entries is tomorrow, September 3, at midnight. It's a gorgeous cheek color. The winner will be a lucky gal.



I hope you enjoy this Labor Day weekend. I've got food, reading, and rest on my agenda. Maybe I'll even find someone to apply Bodacious Bordeaux so I can show it to you.



Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - September 2

The Friday Forum - August 26

What a week! The unfortunate part is that "it's not over yet." That was quite an earthquake we had in Virginia. Now officially categorized as a 5.8, it was the strongest quake in our state (commonwealth, actually) since 1897. That means most of us have never felt anything like it.



Not too long ago, we had a small earthquake, which I recognized as one pretty quickly. It freaked out all of us East Coast types. That turned out to be nothing compared to what happened here Tuesday. I was at my desk at home, on the phone placing an order, when the trembling started. As it rolled in, things started to rattle. I thought Charlie was misbehaving (he wasn't, but during the earthquake, he came running into the room to be with me). Within nanoseconds, as everything in my house and my house started to move rather violently, I realized we were having a doozy of an earthquake. I had told the woman on the phone, "Hang on, something is really wrong." She stayed on the phone until I came back, after the earthquake had ended, and I told her what had happened. She told me she had been on the phone with California customers when earthquakes had struck. What are the chances of that?



I was pretty rattled. As I surveyed for damage, I found perfume bottles everywhere. They went flying off shelves. Pictures on the wall were askew. Shampoos and conditioners on the rim of the tub were in the tub. I'm fortunate. I found nothing damaged or broken. There was severe damage elsewhere. You may have read that the National Cathedral suffered major damage, with fallen angels and parts of the spires broken off and smashed on the ground. The Washington Monument was damaged badly. Just up the street at Tysons Corner, part of a building wall came down and smashed cars. In Mineral, Virginia (southwest of here) at the epicenter, the damage is catastrophic. Many homes and businesses in the little town have been condemned.



We have had unsettling aftershocks since then. Why do they keep happening at night? The largest was Thursday at 1:07 am, when we had a 4.5. Charlie felt it first and bolted upright. Then the house started to rattle. The aftershock was more of a severe rattle than a rocking and rolling shock. It was still unnerving. I lost two nights of sleep to aftershocks. It's hard for me to go back to sleep when I've been awakened suddenly.



Now, we are waiting for Hurricane Irene. "She" is expected to reach Virginia on Saturday and Sunday. All coastal areas are being evacuated. I suspect we will have torrential rain and heavy winds, and many will lose power. I lost my power for 10 days after one tropical storm, and those were 10 miserable days. Workers from Florida Power and Light, who had come to help our area, restored my electricity. We cheered the guys! I wanted to hug them.



Let's hope for no major damage from Irene. The trees really suffer from these storms, homes are often damaged, and it seems inevitable that someone is going to get hurt. I'll be out braving the panicked crowds today to get all my essentials, including cat food.



I may also have to make a quick run to Neiman Marcus to see Kathy. As she crossed the parking lot there this week, some jerk almost ran over her (he kept going, so the mall is reviewing security tapes to try to find him). Kathy fell and broke a bone in her hand. She continued to work for five hours before she left to go get an x-ray, and she went in the next day to help all of you who have started shopping with her. That's dedication!



Let's talk about something beautiful. It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.



If you feel like shopping this weekend, Zuneta is offering free shipping from August 26 until midnight August 29 on all orders, wherever you are! Use code FREESHIPAUG. Now's the time to order Rouge Bunny Rouge.



I have a great giveaway underway. If you'd like a chance to win Chanel's Collection Essentielle de Chanel Lumière Romantique, make sure to enter before midnight tomorrow, Saturday, August 27.



If you are in the path of Irene, I hope you stay home, stay safe, and weather the storm well. Good luck!



Photo courtesy of hurricane.com

More about → The Friday Forum - August 26

The Friday Forum - August 19

The Chantecaille fall collection has launched at Chantecaille's Web site, but I'll bet you didn't know that starting next Tuesday, August 23, Chantecaille will be offering the gift with purchase shown above at Chantecaille.com (with a minimum purchase of $200). The beautiful makeup bag is stocked with deluxe samples of Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, the gorgeous Pelates fragrance, and a mini Elation Brilliant Lip Gloss. Wouldn't next week be the perfect time to pick up your fall makeup from Chantecaille? With the exquisite New Classic Palette, Gel Liner Pencils, new Lip Chics, and the innovative Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara available, I know you'll develop the I-wants as quickly as I did. Why not enjoy a little lagniappe too?



The third weekend in August is always an exciting time for me. That's when the International Gem and Jewelry Show comes to Chantilly at the Dulles Expo Center. The huge hall will be filled with vendors later today, selling everything from fragrances (yes, oddly) and knock-offs to the best in fashion jewelry and the finest of fine jewelry. While the August show is never as exciting as the December one, I always find something I can't live without. Later today, I'll be shopping for the very trends we saw at Neiman Marcus last weekend, but at wholesale prices. Anyone can go (you don't have to be a dealer), so if you live in the DC area, make sure to pop over. It's always worth the trip. I'm going to try to constrain my spending very carefully.



Before I visit the jewelry show, I'm going over to Saks Chevy Chase to pick up the Chanel No. 19 Poudre that Loyd Cassler rang for me earlier this week. It launches today, August 19, Coco Chanel's birthday. She was born in 1883, and I think it's safe to say her impact on fashion and beauty was remarkable. I've tested No. 19 Poudre several times, and I'm excited to be the proud owner of, as one of my fragrance expert friends says, a full bottle. Little did I know that collectives of like-minded souls buy and split bottles of new fragrances - until I met the wizard who can find anything.



I tweeted this week that anyone interested in Le Métier de Beauté's new skin care should pre-order it soon. It launches Monday. I think the demand for the initial shipments will quickly overwhelm the stock. If you don't have a favorite LMdB counter, please call either one of my two friends - either will take good care of you. Dustin Lujan is at LMdB at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Kathy Shoreman at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria told me to go ahead and put her cell phone number on the blog (she may regret that once the heavy-breathing calls start). It's 571-212-8399.



It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.



The giveaway contest for the new Fall 2011 Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick in R7 ends tomorrow, August 20 at midnight. It's a gorgeous lipstick, inside and out.



Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

More about → The Friday Forum - August 19

The Friday Forum - August 12

Every morning, when I head outside to feed the foxes, I think about their wary existence. Always on the run and fearful, even of the hand that feeds them, they wait for me to come out with dog food (or the occasional takeout treat). They are so beautiful, I wonder where they normally hide during the day. I know that occasionally they hide in my "jungle," but I've also seen them headed for a secluded area of woods nearby. I have a silly fox with dark legs like this one who prefers peanuts to dog food. Almost every morning, he waits for "round 2," when I throw peanuts on the ground for the squirrels and birds. I come inside, look out the window, and there he is, eating the peanuts.



This was quite a week! I feel like I spent the whole week fighting copyright infringement. There are Web sites that steal all of their content (photos and the text of complete features) from other sites. I've been a frequent target this year (only found one consistent thief last year). It's very frustrating to see your work - your cat, your arm, your thoughts - turn up on another site a few short hours after you publish. You must hunt them down, which isn't always easy, and send a legal notice. It's most effective to send the notice to the thief's Internet Service Provider. Some hosts require that you send the URL of your own work and of every single infringing post, which requires hours (or days) of work (and is rather ludicrous since one look at the violator's site provides proof of theft). Others simply require a cogent explanation of your claim under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (or their country's equivalent), along with some representations.



This week I went after two sites that were republishing every single one of my features as their own. It was gratifying to see that one had been taken down overnight. That site had been cleverly disguised, and I had not been able to identify the host. My friends and fellow bloggers helped, and I'm grateful. By the way, if you are reading this feature in its entirety anywhere other than Best Things in Beauty, it has been stolen.



Turning to a more pleasant subject, a few weeks ago, London Makeup Girl wrote on Twitter that she would be going on vacation for a couple of weeks and asked for help with guest posts. I wanted to help - everyone deserves a vacation - so I offered to write a feature about beauty in a rush. You can read it at London Makeup Girl.



It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.



Don't forget the giveaway contest for Philosophy's Divine Illumination Blushing Bronzer. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, August 13, at midnight. If you don't enter, you can't win!



Update 8:39 am: This feature has now been published on another site. You can only imagine my rage.

More about → The Friday Forum - August 12

The Friday Forum - August 5

It's hard to believe it's August. Back-to-school sales have started, and our thoughts are turning to fall fashion and beauty. All the while, most of the country is gripped by dangerously hot and dry weather. I've noticed that the days are getting shorter, a sure sign that the season will change.

This was such a "straddle week" for beauty. The much-anticipated Les Aquarelles de Chanel Collection arrived at Neiman Marcus. I believe it was the last summer collection to hit the store. The pieces arrived at the same time as Chanel's early fall collection. Sharing space on the counter, they are a juxtaposition in color. Les Aquarelles represents the pale pinks of summer, while the fall colors offer more punch. There are two quads on the Chanel fall display. Blue is clearly on France's mind for fall! One of the quads features shades of blue. I thought about Dior's new palette when I saw it. Blue is clearly "hot."

Speaking of blues, Jo Malone's Wild Bluebell Cologne arrived earlier than we had anticipated. In case you've been among the many waiting, Neiman Marcus has it (at least at Tysons Galleria).

I visited with Michael Reinhardt at the Le Métier de Beauté counter at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie this week. He had received one of the new nail lacquer shades from the fall/winter East Meets West Collection. I took a photo of Anatolia in the store, but I don't think my photo represents the rich plum color adequately. Described as a rich plum illuminated with golden effervescence, it's a gorgeous fall color. Once all four shades arrive, I'll decide what I can't live without (if anything). They cost $18.

It was a fun fragrance week for me. I finally got my flacon of CREED's White Flowers (launch date was July 31), and I also have a nice, big sample of Original Cologne, a perfect summer fragrance for men or women. I'm enjoying them both, plus lots of other fragrance samples and bottles that have arrived. I also got to try the new Chanel No. 19 Poudre. Turns out it will launch as a Saks Fifth Avenue exclusive. So, next week, I'll head over to Chevy Chase to visit with my friends there. I need to spend more time writing (and less reading) to share all my newest fragrance impressions with you. Why is it I've got the summer lazies?

I also received two Sephora boxes, the result of surfing Sephora last weekend. I've got a pretty Guerlain bronzer to show you, hopefully later today. Despite my expectations that it might be a slow week, it flew by!

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. I won't throw any bombs, like I did last week when I vented on the aggressiveness of store sales reps. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget the giveaway contest for Guerlain's Le 2 de Guerlain Mascara. The deadline for commenting to enter is tomorrow, August 6, at midnight. It's pretty cool!

Update 2:30 pm: The information I was given at a department store about the availability of a larger size of Anatolia was incorrect (not the store where I photographed it). The size is LMdB's normal bottle size. I'm sorry for any confusion (or anticipation) I may have created earlier today.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - August 5

The Friday Forum - July 29

I'm sure the intense heat we had in July forced the black-eyed susans to bloom early. Even today, after a week of "normal" summer temperatures, we are expecting a brutal heat index again. When I went outside early this morning to put out fox food, I had a short steam bath.

I stopped by the local Nordstrom store this week. I was meeting a friend for dinner in the mall, and it seemed like the perfect time to browse the beauty department (and return an eye cream that was rancid when I bought it). I was astounded that the once discreet sales representatives and product specialists had turned into vultures. The first one swooped as I entered the department. He saw me coming in from the men's clothing area where the door is located. "Are you finding everything you need?" I'm sorry, but isn't that a stupid question to ask someone who clearly just arrived? I looked for a counter manager I know. "They" usually won't bother you when you are accompanied by the competition. Unfortunately, he wasn't working.

The whole time I was in the department, I couldn't walk 10 feet before I was accosted by another one. They were way too aggressive. I wanted to look at the displays. I didn't want to purchase anything, but I had to explain myself at every turn.

I returned the rancid eye cream. The line's representative didn't lose a sale because I bought something more expensive in return. However, she wouldn't stop talking. She tried desperately to explain to me that I was wearing the products "all wrong" and that I needed to layer three of them for the best anti-aging results. If I didn't use the one I didn't want under the one I did want, the products wouldn't absorb properly. Huh? This was a brand I have featured on my blog many times; I know it pretty well. Moving on...

The final straw came when I stopped to look at the MOR display. A sales woman wearing a little shoulder bag (was she supposed to look like a customer?) came over and asked if she could help. I said, "No, thank you." She then persisted, starting to tell me about the MOR line. I said, "Thanks, I know." She kept talking. I had to walk off. I wasn't even allowed, it appears, to gaze at the merchandise in peace. I left the store. I was afraid to slow my pace for fear I'd be accosted again. When did that store's graceful customer service disappear?

Have you had similar experiences at any department store recently? How many times do you have a say, "I'm fine, thank you," to walk through a department at any store? I'd rather hear "Let me know if I can assist you" than "How are you today?"

This week, the arrival pace of the fall beauty collections gained momentum, and I'm expecting to see some long-awaited makeup, skin care, and fragrance very soon. I'm super-excited. I love fall makeup - even when it's 100 degrees outside!

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget the giveaway contest for Guerlain's Terracotta Bronzing Powder! It will be a nice addition to close out your summer. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, July 30, at midnight.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - July 29

The Friday Forum - July 22

The cleome - so delicate and so pretty! Unfortunately, it has been so hot here for the last few days, the cleomes close up in the afternoon to preserve and protect their moisture. Today is predicted to be the worst day of the week, with a heat index around 120 degrees. The heat wouldn't be that bad, except for the humidity, which lends a sticky, uncomfortable feeling to the skin in minutes. Time to bring out those wonderful, hydrating mist sprays! Please remember to leave out water for wildlife. I saw one of my foxes drinking early this morning - that made me happy.

This week was historic, but also sad. For years, I worked as a consultant to NASA and have memories I'll always cherish: seeing the Space Shuttle in a hanger, long before the first launch, experiencing the sheer energy and exhilaration of a launch up close - more than I can recount in a short blog post. Now, as the Shuttle program has ended, and we don't know where NASA is headed, I feel a loss. Even worse, though, I worry about all the people who worked on the program. They are losing their jobs, their lifelong passions, as NASA shuts down a program that has made the United States a leader in space. With the economy in tatters again, what will become of all those members of the NASA family? I know it's going to be hard for them to move on. From one blogger to all of them...Bravo, job well done!

Tonight, I plan to attend a Sisley event at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. It's a master class with Sisley's top trainer, accompanied by wine and nibbles. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening: in an air-conditioned room talking beauty. Since it's summer and so many head out of the DC area in July, there are spaces available (or there were yesterday). If you live nearby and would like to attend, call (703) 761-1600 and ask for Kathy Shoreman at extension 3268.

The fall beauty collections are filtering into the stores or making their debuts online, and I'm impressed. I've tried to give you sneak peeks as I've received the photos so that you can be as tempted as I am. My wish list is growing (Guerlain, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Le Métier de Beauté, and more). Not only that, the latest fragrance introductions, plus my exploration of scents and lines, have stunned me (and my wallet). I'm really enjoying the "trip." I did order Cartier's Baiser Volé Eau de Parfum (I asked for help on that purchase last week). I hope it arrives today, and I hope I love it as much as I love the company's baby big cat ads!

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

The giveaway contest for Kate Somerville's Daily Detox Cleanser ends tomorrow, July 23, at midnight. Make sure to enter before then!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - July 22

The Friday Forum - July 15

From my garden - again! I just can't get enough of these beautiful hydrangeas. We finally got some rain - quite a downpour - this week. Had the rain not come, I would have been dragging hoses around to give my plants a drink. Please remember to put out water for wildlife. If it's hot or dry, they need it.

This was a slow week in more ways than one. Time always passes slowly when you are "willing" new collections to arrive at the stores. I shared a few sneak peeks with you - some of the beautiful fall makeup and fragrance I'll be purchasing (soon, I hope). Some would say we are in the dog days of summer.

Did you know that Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star.

The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. Charlie had something to say about that. Something about a cat star...

I received my Beautyhabit order this week, and I can't wait to tell you about two new fragrances I purchased - and love. I've been having a fragrance blast here over the last few weeks, and I'm learning as I sniff. While I may not choose to live in some of the more exotic fragrances I've tried, I am trying to sharpen my ability to identify notes in unusual blends. One sweet reader sent me a box full of fragrance samples. She has opened my eyes to new lines and new genres, and I'm extremely grateful.

Then, there was the news I got from WWD this morning. Justin Bieber's new women's fragrance, Someday, was the top-selling "prestige" fragrance in the U.S. in the two-week period ending July 2 and is on target to be #1 this year. I am so out of touch! Billed as a "fruity gourmand" scent, Someday was created to appeal to the 14-18-year-old set. Save me.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for M·A·C's Possessed by Pink Lip Kit! The deadline is tomorrow, July 15, at midnight. If you don't enter, you can't win.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - July 15

The Friday Forum - July 8

Every day from June through the fall, I'm awestruck by the beauty of the hydrangeas in my garden. Years ago, I selected some very special hybrids - all procured from hydrangea specialists - and watched them grow into their current glory. It was one of my best garden decisions ever. My hydrangeas make me happy. If they were only fragrant...

My week was crazy. I started by installing software on my new computer and trying to get accustomed with Microsoft Office 2010. Just a month ago, I was an Office expert. Now? I feel like I'm trying to learn Chinese. I hear I'm not alone. I wonder who let the software maniacs loose when Microsoft determined that the new GUI was preferable to the old, familiar one.

Last weekend, we had "the storm." A typical thunderstorm in my neighborhood was anything but at my mother's house, just five minutes away. It was probably a micro-burst that took down hundreds of mature trees in minutes. It looked surreal, with downed power and phone lines everywhere. To get into Mom's house, we had to hop over and under downed lines - it was discomforting. She went three days with no power or phone (or television), a long time for someone who's 89. She didn't want to leave, though. So, I line hopped for days until Dominion Virginia Power finally got to her snapped pole and restored her power. I got to be good friends with the army of utility contractors in her McLean neighborhood.

During that time, my DSL connection to the Internet was dying. The connection was so slow, it was worse than dial-up. Then I started losing the connection entirely, usually when I was doing something important. "Annoyed" would be too mild a word to describe my feelings as I tried to diagnose the problem with Verizon's representatives - in India.

One day, after spending an hour and a half on the phone with one of them, I saw a Verizon truck on my street. I hijacked the repair guy; he tested my line at the junction box and found the speed to be good; and then he asked about my Jurassic modem (the one Verizon had provided years ago). He put his money on the modem as the source of my problems and told me to call and request a new one. I did (not the proper way - I couldn't stand another 1.5-hour conversation). To make a long story short, I'm zooming along again. I am enormously grateful to that man - and to Mike, another Verizon repair expert who has been following up with me (and to the @VerizonSupport team at Twitter - they got my mother's repair ticket set up). However...

Right in the middle of all this, Thunderbird, the e-mail client I've been using (related to Firefox) started mixing up senders. I would get an e-mail from one sender, but it would tell me it was from another. After hoping someone on their self-help message board might be able to suggest a fix (silly me), I gave up on Thunderbird entirely and migrated to Outlook. More hours gone.

I had trouble re-installing my color printer, so there went another three hours. After a call to Xerox tech support (she was great) and a bit more work, my printer started to respond.

That's the short version of my technology-challenged week. I have a few more programs to install, like Adobe Acrobat Professional, but I think I'm back in business. Whenever I needed to calm down, I went outside to look at my hydrangeas. We won't discuss the alcohol.

Beauty? It was a slow week, from a delivery perspective. I'm tempted to pay Neiman Marcus a visit later today to see what's new. Since it's time for The Friday Forum, maybe I can get my latest dose of beauty from you. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for a NARS Sweet Disposition Mini Multiple Set. The deadline is tomorrow, July 9, at midnight. It's a fabulous little set.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - July 8

The Friday Forum - July 1

It's hard to believe it's Friday already and the start of a long holiday weekend! As we roll into our Independence Day celebrations, I wish our friends to the north a Happy Canada Day! This one's exciting for them, with the royal visit by Wills and Kate (we're on a first-name basis).

What did you think of the lace or print dress Kate Middleton wore at the arrival ceremony yesterday? I don't think it translated well on television. It looked formal - almost like cocktail party wear. The navy blue suit she wore to board their flight at Heathrow Airport was classy. The dress was pretty - just not her best choice among recent home runs.

The daylilies are blooming, and all is well with the world. Well, sort of. It appears my computer didn't get the word. Today, I will be carrying it over to the "PC doctor" one last time. It's a tower, and it's fairly heavy. The doc will transfer my files to a new desktop computer, and later I'll pick up a newer, faster peripheral brain. I'm sure I'll appreciate that - after I get over the nuisance of reloading all my software. I don't even know what will work and what won't, given the new Windows operating system. I should have bought an Apple Mac, I know.

What an exciting week it was in the land of beauty! For me, it was a Chanel and Le Métier de Beauté week, with some new fragrances thrown into the mix to try this weekend. I was able to return to skin care too. Next week promises to be just as busy. I'll be writing this weekend. If you decamp for a vacation today, please visit when you return. You'll find some fun, new features.

Last Sunday, I watched a beauty blogger Twitter conversation about blog comments, mostly about snarky comments. Since I've never posted a Frequently Asked Questions section, I thought the Friday Forum would be a good opportunity to introduce the subject of comments. I let almost all comments stand - I love comments and a good chat - but there are certain kinds of comments I will delete or not approve on moderation.

As a rule, I don't publish comments that include hyperlinks to commercial Web sites, particularly those posted anonymously. The comments that never see the light of day here are those that are posted to older links, have absolutely nothing to do with the feature, but do contain some kind of advertising message, either embedded in the comment or in a link to a commercial Web site. They are a clear attempt to drive my readers to e-commerce sites. Whether the link is a hyperlink from the URL in the name or is embedded in the comment, I do not publish. Most recently, two comments praised the blog, but included links to a site that had nothing to do with beauty. Some of these links can even be dangerous to my readers. If you do comment on an older feature, and it's related to the feature - even if it contains a link that provides good information - I will publish it. Those looking for free advertising won't succeed.

It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

If you live in the U.S., don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for one of fall's hot nail colors: Chanel's Péridot Nail Colour (#531). The deadline is Saturday, July 2, at midnight.

The next time I write, I'll have a new computer...see you then!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty and ctv.ca

More about → The Friday Forum - July 1

The Friday Forum - June 25

Some Fridays bring a sense of relief and an expectation for relaxation! I'd like to follow this cool cat out to an easy chair, hat in hand, but with the book he's missing. I haven't started reading any new books lately (and they are stacking up). There hasn't been enough time in the day to get hooked on another leisure-time activity! I'm not working today; maybe a book is in my near future. I'd love to escape into a well-written novel.

What a crazy week! Two stunning fall collections arrived - Bobbi Brown and Chanel - and I've had fun playing with them. I've also been sniffing my way through several new fragrances; I hope to tell you about them soon. Every time I'm ready to share my latest skin-care finds, a makeup collection intervenes. Next week - I promise. I'll also continue my Chanel series later today. What did you purchase from Chanel Fall 2011? What are you considering?

We had so much fun this week with the Fresh team! If you haven't followed @Jawn_Fresh and @Alyson_Fresh on Twitter yet, now's the time. You will want to keep up with these talented (and fun) folks for the latest happenings at Fresh. Jawn told me about the newest products in the pipeline. We are going to love them.

It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget to enter the Juicy Tubes Sparkling Pinks giveaway contest. The deadline is tomorrow, June 25, at midnight. It's a cute set, and I'm sure the winner will enjoy the variety flattering pinks.

I forget where I found the photo - apologies to the photographer

More about → The Friday Forum - June 25

The Friday Forum - June 17

Hydrangea season has started. When my hydrangeas are blooming, I wonder why I grow anything else. Then I remember the crepe myrtles, daylilies, and other perennials that grace my garden during the summer. Despite the competition, the hydrangeas cast a spell.

What a week it's been! Last weekend, I had two makeovers (Chanel and Chantecaille), and this week has been a week of experimentation, with new makeup I haven't even had time to describe for you. Each weekend, I anticipate a cloudless day, hoping to get pretty photos for you. Why does it rain on weekends?

Overnight, we had a killer thunderstorm. I heard my computer's auxiliary power supply beep and got out of bed to turn off the computer. There was a lot of nearby thunder and lightning, Charlie had taken off for the interior of the house (he moves from windows by instinct), then the electricity blipped on and off again. I use an electric clock to tell me the time, and any power interruption, however brief, will make it reset. I didn't want to watch it blink, so I reset it, thinking it was only a few minutes off. You can guess...This morning, I thought I had overslept. The clock told me it was 4:45 am when I awakened naturally. I totally forgot I had reset it blindly, so I didn't check my iPad for the time. I hopped out of bed and began my morning. It was only while writing The Friday Forum (and wondering why I saw no light of dawn outside) that I discovered it had really been 3:45. Now, still before my normal wake-up around 4:30, I realize how sleepy I'll be later today. No wonder Charlie didn't get me up "at 4:30"! Cats have such amazing internal clocks.

Tomorrow, I have a Bobbi Brown session at Nordstrom at Tysons Corner Center. That should be fun - if I get a nap before I go! It's my only planned beauty outing of the weekend. I have to stay home and get myself organized - weed too (more like taming the jungle).

I hope to explore the Le Labo samples a sweet Twitter friend, @glowyjoeybunny, got for me in New York. Today is her birthday - Happy Birthday, Joey! Late yesterday, when the samples arrived, I sprayed all three on my arm - and loved all three! I still detect an elegant and mysterious soft, musky scent. Iris 39, one of The Non-Blonde's favorites, persists beautifully - proof that there are a few fragrances containing patchouli that I can love (perhaps very few). I had the pleasure this week of speaking with a gal from LuckyScent. She has worked at one time for Le Labo, and she told me about her long list of Le Labo favorites. By the time we finished talking, I wanted all of them! She's dangerous. I really need to get a lottery ticket today.

It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick for Body. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, June 18, at midnight. Anyone can enter, so go for it! The large shimmer brick is a stunner.

I was delighted last Friday to return from work and see how active you had been on the forum. Have a fun and beautiful day!

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

More about → The Friday Forum - June 17

The Friday Forum - June 10

Catalpa blooms are a fleeting pleasure in late spring. Their frilly flowers are so feminine, particularly set against the large masculine leaves of the tree. The flowers are like orchids! My tree is a volunteer. I didn't choose its spot, but finally decided to let it grow. I feel nature has a master plan.

This week was exciting. I received so many boxes, filled with beauty goodies, I'll be testing and writing for days (weeks?). I had planned to catch up on skin care this week, believing that we were in a lull between the last summer makeup introductions and the first of the fall collections. I got that wrong!

I attended a blogger party at Lord & Taylor this week. I'll have more to tell you about it, hopefully this evening. They invited product representatives to spotlight their spring and summer collections. I spent a lot of time with the Dior rep, and, believe it or not, I bought another Dior Addict lipstick. I don't plan to count the shades I've purchased - it's crazy. I would swatch it for you, but it landed on my desk at work. It's a perfect neutral shade that I can wear with anything. Anyhow, if you have a Lord & Taylor nearby, you must swing by for Friends & Family. Most items in the store are discounted 25%, and they even offer a 10% discount in the beauty department.

If you live anywhere near Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, there's a new Le Métier de Beauté product specialist named Michael Reinhardt. His Seven Days of Beauty Camp Gorgeous special event is ongoing - until Sunday, June 12. Stop by and say hello to Michael. Tell him Best Things in Beauty sent you. You may find a little gift in your bag when you leave.

A friend gave me a Gloss d'Armani in Pink #400, one of the shades I had not bought (and, thus, not featured). Rather than write Part 4 of my series, proving once and for all that I'm under Giorgio Armani's spell, I decided to show you a swatch photo here, taken in front of the Catalpa leaves. Gorgeous! I guess I am under Armani's spell, otherwise, I would have complained about the tiny print on the labels at the bottom of these gloss vials. Who did they think would be able to read them without a magnifying glass? My eyes are great - much better than my back and knees - but it's a challenge to read the labels.

Enough from me! It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most (not all) readers have moved on.

I have two giveaway contests underway. Both end at midnight Saturday, June 11. I'm surprised there aren't more entries. Rozz J. at FBR Cosmetics is giving away the FBR lip gloss of your choice! Just go to this link to enter. We also have a contest for Aquaphor. Two readers will win an Aquaphor Lip Repair. You can enter that contest here. All winners will be chosen at random. Please give some of my favorite companies a shout-out by entering!

I'm still hyperventilating when I look at Lumières Byzantines de Chanel.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - June 10

The Friday Forum - June 3

Clematis, a beauty that rambles around and through other plants, is one of my favorites this time of year. This beauty in my garden may not be show quality, but it delights nonetheless. I took this photo while I was out grabbing swatch photos one day last week. The flower called out, "Do me too!" I was happy to oblige.

Yesterday, I arrived home from work to find so many boxes, I couldn't get in my front door. That's guaranteed blog love for days to come! I won't spoil the suspense; let's just say that my boxes included makeup, skin care, and fragrances - and a new camera toy too. I need to figure out the camera over the weekend. I decided not to sniff all the fragrance at once, but dole out my treats one by one. The first one I opened, though, left me in such a state of delirium I had to call Kathy Shoreman, one of my few friends who gets as excited about beauty products as I do.

I had the treat of the year when my friend and reader Clarisse wrote from France to tell me she had been able to procure Chanel's Byzantines de Chanel Palette Highlighter for me. I had seen it on Amy's site, and I wanted it so badly, I started calling every Chanel boutique in the United States. The answer was always the same, "We're so sorry; that sold out before it arrived at the store." I did make a few new friends on the phone, so the effort wasn't wasted. Then, I had the idea of asking Clarisse if she could look for it in France. That sweetheart went above and beyond. She got on a waiting list at the boutique in Paris because it had not yet arrived there. They called and gave her a few hours to pick it up; she sent her son, a attorney who works nearby; he purchased it; and he FedEx'd it from his workplace - all in one day. How am I going to return THAT favor? I think I see a huge box headed to France.

I have a "reasonable suspicion" that Charlie brought a mouse in from the screened porch last night. The commotion in the kitchen, preceded by his appearance, was suspect. He brings them inside to play with them. Now, thanks to hunter cat, I think I have a poor mouse in my house. I hope I can catch and liberate him before one of the cats decides to torture him to death. Catching a worn-out mouse isn't as hard as you might imagine.

I'd like to remind you about a couple of upcoming events and promotions - both national and DC-area.

Chantecaille will be celebrating World Ocean Day (June 8) with a promotion from June 5 to June 12. Please help them save blue whales, creatures that symbolize the health of the high seas, which are responsible for producing close to 80% of our planet's oxygen and are now threatened by industrial fishing, acid toxicity, plastic garbage, sonar pollution, and other human interference. Online only, from June 5-12, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. Proceeds will go to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. I'll be posting this promotion again this weekend - with the pretty photo Chantecaille sent me last week.

There's an upcoming Chantecaille event at Neiman Marcus in the DC area. On June 10 at Mazza Gallerie and June 11 at Tysons Galleria, you could have a consultation with national makeup artist Eddie Hernandez. The event is during the Neiman Marcus' Camp Gorgeous promotion, which runs Sunday, June 5, through June 12. There will be a Chantecaille gift with purchase. DC gals will want to call their closest Neiman Marcus to make an appointment with Eddie. I'd love to see you. I'll be seeing him at Tysons on June 11.

We are having a very special Fresh event with Jawn Marques at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria on June 22. It's a master class, and I can't wait! Jawn is as talented and fun as it gets, and he is flying in from New Orleans for our party. If you would like to attend that evening, please call (703) 761-1600 and ask for Kathy Shoreman at extension 3282.

I have other DC-area events I'll be telling you about very soon. Stay tuned!

It's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget, even though it's buried on the blog at this point, that I have a giveaway contest for a fabulous Bobbi Brown Bare to Bold Eye Palette. My heart dropped last year when I saw the photo of this palette in the company's training manual, marked Asia Only. I thought I would have to try to get it from Asia, but it popped up at QVC. It's absolutely gorgeous. The deadline for entries is Saturday, June 4, at midnight. Hope you'll enter!

What's happening in your life?

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - June 3

The Friday Forum - May 27

The honeysuckle is blooming, and I'm in the mood for a fragrance that carries the true scent of honeysuckle onto my body! Do you have any ideas for me?

This was a busy beauty week! Some of the stunning summer collections (the late wave) finally launched - right before the fall collections start to appear. The timing couldn't have been more welcome to an addict who loves a fresh dose of makeup. There's more to come here at Best Things in Beauty, but I'll take a break and reflect on the week.

I wasn't terribly interested in the American Idol finale, but I turned it on, thinking it would provide background music for other activities. I ended up watching most of the show! There were so many guest stars, often singing with the Final 13, it was a fun show. I got to see all my favorites, from Jacob to Haley. Isn't Paul McDonald darling? Jacob soared with Gladys Knight and Kirk Franklin. Tony Bennett and Haley? Charming! Listening made me happy. I hope all those kids see their dreams of a career in music come true.

Can you even believe it's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

There are so many special offers for Memorial Day. This evening, I will put some of the better ones in the comments for your use - should you decide to do a little armchair shopping this weekend.

Want to blush? I have a giveaway contest for a Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues. It's a perfect punch for summer. Make sure to enter before Saturday's midnight deadline.

I hope you have a glorious Memorial Day weekend. Please take a few minutes to reflect on those who have died in our nation's service. If you have lost a loved one to war (or the new kind of war called terrorism), please know that millions will pause this weekend to reflect on your sacrifices. We care. Thank you for giving up the most precious thing you could give - your children, fathers and mothers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and best friends.

More about → The Friday Forum - May 27

The Friday Forum - May 21

Kousa dogwoods are special. They beam in the late May/early June garden (in Zone 7). Beyond their blooming beauty, the fruit is a wildlife favorite when it ripens in the fall. Those green fruits you see in the center of the flower bracts expand into red berries that the birds and squirrels consider an annual feast. As soon as they ripen, my tree is a magnet for wildlife. I always consider providing food for animals when I select plants. Why not help wildlife while beautifying the garden?

You know I'm going to talk about the American Idol semifinals. My favorite of the final three - the one with the most mature singing voice - was sent home.

This is the first year I've watched American Idol. I started when I was homebound, but I don't think I can stand another year. The ad minutes rival the show minutes, and the filler content is often unbearable. Last night, that little trick...the results after the commercial break...beyond annoying! Do they think we sit and watch those ads? I get things done - exciting things like scooping the cat litter. Anyhow, I'll save three hours next week. I don't need to see the country music finale, especially since it seems preordained that one-note country boy Scotty will win. He sends the young girls into hysteria - and obviously endless texting to vote. The real music critics have already made clear their disdain for the voters' choices.

Watching Twitter last night was more interesting than the show. When Il Volo came on to sing "O Sole Mio," Idol "fans" started tweeting things like, "I thought this was American Idol. Who are those Italians?" Was that zenophobic? Another repeated tweet was, "I don't understand Italian." I couldn't believe what I was reading, but it was a fascinating window on the "thinking" of some segment of the show's fan/voting base - a culture with which I can't connect.

I hope my favorites all end up with recording contracts and music careers. I loved Pia, Haley, Jacob, Casey, and even Paul. I went to sleep after Idol silently singing Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets," and I awakened this morning hearing that song. Haley has staying power - hope to hear her sultry, raspy voice many times in the future! Last night, I retweeted Menox Music, a Billboard Reviewer, who tweeted, "Haley Reinhart is this season's Siobhan Magnus/Chris Daughtry/Jennifer Hudson/David Archuleta/Adam Lambert." She's a star.

I did like Lauren's leg look Wednesday night after a stylist applied a bronzing tint to her legs. It was flattering. Why didn't someone think of that earlier? I've been impressed with the makeup on the gals for weeks. Whoever is applying their eye makeup deserves some recognition. Have you been watching the makeup along with me?

Even worse than the news of Haley's elimination was the news that next week, we are going to have to wait through two hours American Idol to see the Glee season finale. I resent network tricks to drive ratings. That stunt early in the season when they made me stay up through the Super Bowl to see Glee was unacceptably manipulative. It's incredibly hard for me to stay up late when I get up at 4:30 am every morning. I was looking forward to next Tuesday with Glee. Now, it will be Wednesday, with recorded Glee. It's not the same.

Can you even believe it's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

Don't forget that I have a giveaway contest going for a KORRES Lip Collection! The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, May 21, at midnight. Make sure to enter before then. If you don't enter, you can't win!

What did you discover this week that grabbed your eyes or made you want to sniff your arm? Is there anything you've been waiting for me to feature? I spend too much and have plenty to tell you, but I always consider suggestions.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

More about → The Friday Forum - May 21

The Friday Forum - May 13

At last, Google Blogger, which hosts Best Things in Beauty, is back up - sort of. They have not yet restored the two days of features they wiped out when they restored their software to a point in time Wednesday, when Blogger crashed after they installed a software upgrade. At least I can check in with you. They have assured us (via Twitter) that they will restore our missing posts, and I'm still waiting. I wanted you to see the Alima Pure and Givenchy features I wrote.

Last night's American Idol was a shocker. Rocker James Durbin was eliminated. His fans went crazy on Twitter. I'm sorry for all you gals on the West Coast. Don't even look at Twitter if you don't want to see what's happening live on the East Coast. I also discovered I've been spelling Haley's name incorrectly. Sorry, Haley! I have a friend named Hayley, which seems to me to be the proper spelling, and I misnamed you. I'm glad she's in the top three, along with Lauren. I think the gals are talented. The "story" of James Durbin was inspiring, and his elimination (by the voters) was a complete surprise. Everyone thought he would win the competition - even me. I was not a fan of his type of music/singing, but, like Jennifer Lopez, I was sad for him. He seems like a sweet guy. Never fear - he will have a career. Anyone remember Diversity? They won Britain's Got Talent. They are history, but Susan Boyle, the runner-up, is an international sensation.

Can you even believe it's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

Don't forget that I have a giveaway contest going for NARS Laguna Multiple! The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, May 14. Make sure to enter before then. If you don't enter, you can't win!

What did you see this week that grabbed your eyes? Is there anything you've been waiting for me to feature? I have a lot to tell you about - all bottled up because I haven't been able to write.

Update 5:45 - My missing features are back! I can't make up for lost time today, but I'm grateful to have them. Google's problem must have been a whopper.

Photo courtesy of growspot.com

More about → The Friday Forum - May 13

The Friday Forum - May 6

It was almost impossible to grab a crisp azalea photo this week, with the wind blowing the branches up and down continuously. They wouldn't sit still! No matter...you can see the color I've been celebrating with the earliest bloomers among my Satsuki azaleas.

This has been a hectic week. Sometimes, my phone rings so often at work that I can't get any "real work" done. I'm not complaining - I enjoy helping others. It's a good thing that many days I come home from work to find a box with a goodie or two at my door. It picks me right up from the fatigue. Yesterday, there were Chantecaille beauties. Right now, there is a beautiful gift with any $200 purchase at Chantecaille's Web site: a full-sized Papillon Veil Poudre Délicate. I love it!

This weekend will be fun, with one beauty event and some shopping too. I need to get swatch photos on Saturday before the sun disappears for the weekend again. I will also be selecting a new camera. My SLR was fabulous in its day, but it's not digital. I need to replace the digital Sony I have been using with a DSLR. I've narrowed the field to two. Now I think I need to hold them both in my hands to decide - something I haven't had the time to do recently. I have small hands and a thin frame that complains if I carry around much extra weight, so the camera must have the excellent optics of my old Pentax SLR, but in a lightweight body. The new camera will be with me for many years.

Can you even believe it's time for The Friday Forum? We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

Don't forget that there are two current giveaway contests! The first is for a Sephora eyeliner set, The Hot 10 Nano Eyeliner Set. The second is an incredibly generous sponsored contest from AVEENO and Recyclebank for two beauty sets - one for mom and one for baby! Both contests end tomorrow night, Saturday, May 7, at midnight. Make sure to enter before then. If you don't enter, you can't win!

What did you see this week that grabbed your eyes? Is there anything you've been waiting for me to feature?

More about → The Friday Forum - May 6